Discovering the Splendor of Montenegro’s Beaches: A Guide to the Best Coastal Gems

Dramatic mountain backdrops, a beautiful coastline, the historical Bay of Kotor, the famous Budva, and the Adriatic Sea’s crystal-clear waters—that’s Montenegro.

I’m Croatian and love living next door to beautiful neighbors like Montenegro. Of course, Croatia is more beautiful to me, but Montenegro is less expensive, so choose your priorities.

It will take you approximately five minutes to realize that Montenegro is a very safe country and that the people are charming and welcoming.

Because “who can be more relaxed” is the national sport here, we often joke in the Balkans about Montenegrins being lazy. Of course, Montenegrins are known for their charm, so instead of being offended, they organized a national competition to see who could stay in bed the longest.

The winner was in bed for 50 days. Can you imagine? So, don’t forget: there’s no rush.

Anyway, with only about 620,000 people, everyone seems to know each other, and they’ll insist on sharing their homemade rakija. So don’t try to say no. Just go with the flow.

Also, this tiny jewel is nestled in the heart of the Balkans and stands out as Europe’s hidden gem.

A Country Full of History, Beaches, and Local Insights

Aside from its natural beauty and the Adriatic Sea, Montenegro has a rich history, with lovely cities such as Kotor offering old architecture, lively festivals, and wonderful cuisine.

If you have more time, keep in mind that Montenegro shares borders with Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Albania. The official currency is the Euro, and the official language is Montenegrin, but English is fine.

So, are the beaches along the Montenegro coast sandy or pebbled? And where should you go if you want luxury or isolated coves?

Find out in this travel guide.

Unveiling Montenegro’s Best Beaches

Mogren Beach

I’ll start with one of Montenegro’s most beautiful beaches: golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and cliffs covered in Mediterranean vegetation. Sound good?

Mogren Beach is a sandy beach near the Old Town of Budva and consists of two adjacent coves.

For those who just don’t know how to relax on the beach and do nothing (like me), try your hand at photography since photography enthusiasts adore Mogren Beach’s cliffs.

If you prefer sport over art, I recommend water sports so you can explore the beautiful coastline from a different angle.

Or, simply visit beach bars for refreshing cocktails. I mean, it’s vacation time, right? And it can be a great warm-up for Budva’s legendary chaotic nightlife, which awaits you once the sun goes down.

Jaz Beach

Jaz Beach is one of Montenegro’s most popular beaches. It is more than 1.5 kilometers long and is a few kilometers from Budva.

During the day, it is great for everyone, but I also recommend it for families because the crystal-clear waters are shallow, and there is plenty of room for children to play.

Also, Jaz Beach offers beach bars, restaurants, and water sports options.

During the night, it turns into a party heaven, offering music festivals with famous DJs and beach parties.

So, Jaz Beach has something for everyone. But, yeah, it is really packed.

Velika Plaža: The Longest Sandy Beach

You will surely find your spot on the golden sand of Velika Plaža. Why? Because this longest beach in Montenegro is 12 kilometers long.

It is located in Ulcinj and surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation. I think it is one of the best beaches if you have kids because, despite its popularity, you will find a place for your children to play in the sand.

Of course, there are beach bars and restaurants that serve wonderful local seafood and refreshing cocktails.

Because of the favorable winds, I also recommend it for water sports such as kite surfing.

Keep in mind that there are plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas available (a rental of two sunbeds and an umbrella costs about 10 euros), making it ideal for sunbathing and, well, doing nothing.

Plavi Horizonti

I would recommend Plavi Horizonti as a family beach. The crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea are so clear here that this beach has earned the Blue Flag.

Also, Plavi Horizonti provides gradual entry into the water, making it highly safe for kids. The shallow areas allow safe play, while the landscape provides a nice backdrop of lush hills and rocky cliffs.

So, where is it? It is located on the Lustica Peninsula, near Tivat. Of course, there are also beach bars, restaurants, and opportunities for water sports like kayaking and snorkeling.

Aside from that, it is a popular choice among residents due to its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty. So, that’s something, right?

Ada Bojana

Here is something slightly different since Ada Bojana is actually an island.

Also, it is a place where the river meets the sea. The island stretches approximately 3.8 kilometers and features a long, sandy beach. The waters are calm, making it an ideal for families.

I recommend Ada Bojana for kitesurfing and kayaking, as well as birdwatching and exploring nature. During the night, it hosts music events and parties.

And for foodies, Ada Bojana is home to various restaurants specializing in fresh seafood.

So, I recommend dining at one of these coastal restaurants with the sound of waves in the background and stunning sunset views. Nice, right?

Bečići Beach

Bečići Beach is another family-friendly beach.

This 2-kilometer-long beach near Budva has beach bars, sun loungers, and a variety of water sports activities.

In addition to relaxing, surrounding eateries provide wonderful Montenegrin cuisine and fresh fish.

And while you sunbathe and swim, don’t forget to take in the beauty of the surrounding hills.

Read More: Discover the Top 10 Things to Do in Montenegro

Buljarica Beach

Here is something lesser-known for those hoping to escape the crowds. Buljarica Beach is located near the village of Petrovac.

It has a pebbled shore, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and big green areas.

Okay, amenities may be limited, but Montenegro is quite crowded during the summer, so this is one of the options if you want a more intimate experience.

Drobni Pijesak Beach

Drobni Pijesak Beach is a lesser-known choice for those seeking a more serene ambiance. It is situated between the popular towns of Petrovac and Sveti Stefan.

This pebble beach with crystal-clear waters is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lush vegetation. Also, there are small, charming beach bars and restaurants nearby.

In principle, it is a good place to go hiking too, but Montenegrin summers are extremely hot, so if you must be active, I recommend snorkeling instead.

Queen’s Beach

Is it enough to say that Queen’s Beach was the former Yugoslav President’s private beach?

It is a small beach located near the town of Milocer, close to the iconic luxury island of Sveti Stefan.

It is surrounded by cliffs, lush Mediterranean vegetation, and olive trees.

Just keep in mind that Queen’s Beach holds a certain level of exclusivity due to its location next to the luxurious Sveti Stefan resort.

While the beach itself is public, visitors may have to navigate through resort properties to access it, which can sometimes feel restricted.

So, if you’re looking for a more exclusive experience, consider booking a day pass or amenities at the resort, which often grants easier access to the beach.

Sveti Stefan Beach

Sveti Stefan is an iconic island hotel that has amazed numerous world-known celebrities. And this beach is located right in front of it.

While much of Sveti Stefan Beach is available to the public, some portions are designated for resort guests.

Of course, there are amenities such as beach bars, restaurants, and water sports rentals too.

So I’ll name this experience sunbathing with a view of luxury.

Žanjic

Žanjic Beach is a beautiful pebble beach with breathtaking views of the Bay of Kotor and islands.

Its crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

This beach offers plenty of space for leisure and is close to the wonderful village of Perast (which I highly recommend because it is really adorable).

Read More: The Bay of Kotor in Montenegro

Dobrec Beach

Dobrec Beach is a pleasant alternative to Herceg Novi’s crowded promenade. This remote bay is only accessible by boat and provides a day in paradise.

The secluded cove features a wonderful pebbly beach and a beachfront restaurant that serves freshly caught fish and traditional Montenegrin cuisine.

Just keep in mind that Dobrec Beach is a private beach. Access is free, but if you spend the entire day there, it may cost you more than a day at a public beach.

The Nature of Montenegro’s Beaches: Sandy or Pebbly?

Montenegro is best recognized for its beautiful pebble beaches.

Also, some beaches have a mix of sand and pebbles, or one half is sandy and the other pebble, making it difficult to determine.

For sandy beaches, I recommend Ulcinj’s Velika Plaža or, even better, Mogren Beach, tucked between steep cliffs.

Practical Tips for Travelers: Drinking Water in Montenegro

Montenegro’s tap water is safe to drink. Of course, if you prefer bottled water, feel free to purchase it.

Just remain hydrated; Montenegro’s summers are very hot.

Top Picks for Accommodation: Where to Stay in Montenegro

Budva is the place to go if you want to socialize, enjoy the nightlife, and visit bustling beachside cafes.

If you appreciate historical charm and hidden coves, Kotor is the place to go.

Sveti Stefan offers a luxurious experience; choose Petrovac for a more relaxing retreat and a family-friendly ambiance.

If you want to do a variety of things during your holiday, don’t worry: Montenegro is a small country, so you can simply mix various different experiences.

Any option you make will undoubtedly highlight Montenegro’s natural beauty, which combines breathtaking beaches, historic cities, the Adriatic Sea’s clarity, and towering mountains.

So, is it enough to see you in Montenegro?